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Stay at Home Moms
excitedforlittleone
member
Who left "careers" to SAHM.
excitedforlittleone
member
I'm sure this gets asked every day over here but I need some advice. I got pregnant with my son when I was in nursing school. I didn't get my first nursing job till he was 7 months old. I almost have a years worth of experience but working full time nights isn't working for our family. I explored part time options but they don't want me going part time with only 1 year experience.
My only option really is to quite completely to be a SAHM. Although I would prefer to work part time or PRN it seems that isn't an option for a new nurse like myself. I guess my question is what kind of career did you leave and were you scared that you might find it difficult to return in the future? I'm really scare that if I decide to return to the nursing field when my son is older I will have a hard time finding a job with so little experience. I don't want to waste all my years of hard work and school. TIA!
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Re: Who left "careers" to SAHM.
I worked for 12 years in Corporate Finance for a Fortune 100 company as a Manager and a Director. I have an MBA in Finance. I did work for a long time, so I don't consider my education at all wasted. My mother has a Masters from a top 20 University and only worked for 4 years ever. She even went back to trade school when we were in school and got certifications in real estate, decorating, and catering just for fun. I don't think education is ever a waste. Even if I stay home for the 21 years my kids will be at home, that still gives me 25 years total years to work (to get to 67).
My SIL's mom worked in a nursing home at night when she was growing up (still does). Could you get a job doing something like that without a lot of experience? Working a few weekends a month and holiday? It might be worth it if you plan to go back full time when your children are older.
Wow. That would make me really nervous too. I am a doctor, and I work just enough to keep my feet wet. Medicine can so much in such a short period.
On the other hand, I completely sympathize with how draining the job can be, both emotionally and physically. Being with people through what is usually the most difficult part of their lives really can give you a perspective on how short life is and how important family and relationships are.
If I were you, I would keep looking for that PT job. I am sure there are ways to get back into the nursing field, but I would guess it is easier if you are have some experience. Could you maybe volunteer? Look at locum tenens? Isn't there supposed to be a nursing shortage? I am so frustrated for you that you can't find a PT job.
I'm going to keep looking for a PRN position but most places prefer at least 1 year of experience. I will have 1 year under my belt in less than 2 months so I will continue working full time for a few more months. Thanks for the advice and the sympathy
)
I was an attorney for 4 years. It took 3 yrs to get the degree.
I am an MBA. I worked for 7 yrs in marketing for a big corporation. I don't regret leaving. I never consider my education 'wasted' (though I am thankfuly I got all my eduction paid for on scholarships and fellowships).
In all honesty, the hardest thing to walk away from was the great benefits package my company had.
But SAH was always a priority for me and my husband. I can't say I miss the stress my old job had, now I have mommy-stress- and you can't walk away from that at 5pm. I really tip my hat to the WMs who juggle both.
I have a PhD in the biological sciences, and was working for a medical communications company. Fortunately they want me to stay on in a very PT capacity (8-10 hours/week), so I feel that this will be enough to keep me in the loop as time goes on, should I decide to go back. Plus my particular skills are conducive to freelancing.
I have no experience in nursing or any advice as to how it would work with only a year of experience. Hopefully others can help.
DD1 7/10/08 DD2 8/11/10 DS 7/2/13
I worked in technology and yes, it scares the bejeezus out of me that I'll never be able to return to the workforce easily. Technology is always changing.
I'm doomed.
I told my boss this. I told her either I needed a better schedule or I would have to eventually quit. They told me they didn't want to see me leave but that they understood if I had to quit for the sake of my family. I work on a pediatric med surg floor if that helps. You are right about the orientation part with a new job in the future I guess I just don't feel 100% confident about my ability as a nurse just after one year and it's scary to think I might take off a few years and then try to return. I do appreciate your input as a nurse with more experience though
) Thank you so much!
I worked for 10 years before becoming a SAHM. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and was in construction management. I worked for a few large companies, and was good at what I did.
I haven't looked back yet. Best decision I made.
GL to you!
I have BAs in Communication and Political Science. I didn't do much with them though, just worked for a year in a direct sales position for a bank. By the time I go back I'm hoping that the job market will be a little better and I'll be able to find something more suited to my education. The degrees never go away and I picked up some good references while I was working, and I'm hoping that when DD is a little older I can do some volunteering and get more references that way.
Have you thought about school nursing? It's not part-time, but pretty good hours with summers and holidays off...
I used to be a database programmer. I've been away long enough that I'm unemployable in my old field. Scary, yes, but I knew that would be the consequence of becoming a SAHM.
I left a 100K+ job that I worked at for 7 yrs as an analyst for a big wall st firm. Sometimes I do get really freaked out that i'll never be able to get back in or even get in at that level again...but you know what I remind myself? I'm not "wasting" any of my education or experience, I get to use it all in a different way and teach my daughter. Education is never a waste! I know one day I'll go back or use my degree to try a new career, either way, I have the rest of my life to work, my baby will only be a baby for so long---and I think to myself when I'm 90 will I look back and say "i wish i worked those 5 years I was a SAHM, or would I say I wish I was a SAHM and didn't keep working" Easy answer when you put it that way.
Also, have you looked into VNA's? Or I know a lot of nursing phone in lines look to hire RN's to do phone chats/consults for major insurance companies. Check a site like www.hiremymom.com i've seen stuff on there for women with RN's.
Good luck to you--it'll be fine!
Have you considered talking to a healthcare placement agency like Maxim Healthcare? My sister works for Maxim (in corporate accounting) and I know they hire per diem, contract and temp to perm nurses all over the country. Maybe try looking into something like that?
My college roommate also did some part time work through Maxim running evening clinics for our county's health department. It was a good hourly wage and she had a lot of flexibility.
It took me 7 years to finish undergrad and grad school and then I only worked 2 1/2 years in my field before taking a buyout to stay at home. Luckily, the buyout paid off my student loans, but I will admit that once in a while I feel like all that education should be put to use, if not now, then eventually. But honestly, I really have no desire to go back to the workforce.
I understand your concern about not getting enough experience, though...I guess it's just a risk you have to take? I am SO happy staying at home with LO that it's totally worth the risk to me (plus I don't really want to go back!), but you have to weigh your options and be realistic about future consequences.